Richmond-based space technology firm MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates has lost about 100 employees and could lose 150 more if the Radarsat Constellation Mission doesn’t continue. The 100 employees that have already left were working at the company’s Brampton operation, MDA corporate communications manager Wendy Keyzer said in an email.

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Richmond-based space technology firm MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates has lost about 100 employees and could lose 150 more if the Radarsat Constellation Mission doesn’t continue.

The 100 employees that have already left were working at the company’s Brampton operation, MDA corporate communications manager Wendy Keyzer said in an email.

“The company’s Brampton operation ... expects to lose another 50 [employees] in 2012 as a result of the cuts to funding in the space robotics area,” Keyzer said. “The company could lose approximately 100 employees in its Richmond and Montreal operations if RCM does not continue.”

The planned three-satellite system is designed to monitor and offer continual surveillance of Canada’s coast line, northern territories, Arctic waterways, maritime areas of strategic importance and defence interests around the world.

Uncertainty about the future of RCM arose after the federal budget earlier this year said that the money needed to continue the mission “as currently envisioned” was not available.

Marc Garneau, former astronaut and now a Liberal member of parliament, said although the government said in the House of Commons that the project will continue, they haven’t signed a contract yet.

“And they did not say when [it will continue] or provide any specifics,” Garneau said. “This is a program that I started seven years ago, I don’t see why suddenly, after the detailed design phase is nearing completion and it’s time to build it, there seems to be a hiccup.”

MDA, which designed the Canadarm, was awarded the contract to design the satellite system in 2006.

Garneau said if the specialized staff needed to build the satellites leave MDA it will be tough to get them back when the project does go ahead.

“There is a concern there and the government has to act quickly,” Garneau said. “This is an extremely important program for Canada.”

tsherlock@vancouversun.com

Blog: vancouversun.com/yourmoney

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